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Extended Detention: Ongoing Uncertainty for Aman Jalali Nejad in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Aman Jalali Nejad, HRANA, Khuzestan, Sheiban Prison, امان جلالی نژاد

Aman Jalali Nejad, a teacher residing in Ahvaz, remains in detention and uncertainty for over ninety days in Sheiban Prison.

Based on information received by HRANA, recently, Jalali Nejad’s detention was extended for another month until August 10.

Jalali Nejad was arrested by security forces at the entrance of Ahvaz on April 8, 2024. In early June of this year, he was transferred from the quarantine ward of Sheiban Prison to the prison’s security ward.

This teacher was charged with “propaganda against the regime” on June 10, 2024, in Branch 13 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court.

Aman Jalali Nejad is a teacher and painter employed by the Khuzestan Province Department of Education and resides in Ahvaz.

Continued Detention: An Update on Hossein Shanbehzadeh’s Situation

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News, Prisoners
Ardabil, Hossein Shanbehzadeh, حسین شنبه زاده

Hossein Shanbehzadeh, a writer, editor, and resident of Tehran, remains in a state of uncertainty over a month after his arrest. His detention has recently been extended.

Abbas Shanbehzadeh, his brother, shared an update on his current situation, stating: “Hossein Shanbehzadeh’s detention has been extended, and we are allowed to visit him twice a month.”

Shanbehzadeh was arrested by security forces on June 4, 2024, in Ardabil. Following his arrest, Tasnim News Agency, close to security agencies, reported, citing the Ardabil Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor, that Hossein Shanbehzadeh was arrested on charges of espionage for Israel. Jalal Afaqi, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Ardabil, claimed that “Hossein Shanbehzadeh was in contact with high-ranking officers of Mossad through a social network and gathered information needed by Mossad under the guise of editorial activities.”

Shanbehzadeh was previously arrested for his activities on the social network X (formerly Twitter) and was released on bail later.

The trial of Hossein Shanbehzadeh on these charges was held on September 12, 2020, in Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. He was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for “blasphemy,” eighteen months for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and ten months for “propaganda against the regime.” This verdict was upheld by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals.

In June 2022, Shanbehzadeh posted on his page on social media that he was summoned to begin serving his sentence in Evin Prison. Shanbehzadeh was ultimately released from prison in April 2023.

Fars Province Appeals Court Upholds Sentences Against Three Baha’i Citizens

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News, Religious Minorities
Fars Province Appeals Court, Hassan Salehi, Saeed Abedi, Vahid Dana

The Fars Province Appeals Court has upheld the sentences against Hassan Salehi, Vahid Dana, and Saeed Abedi, Baha’i citizens. These individuals were each sentenced in the initial court to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison, fines, and social deprivations.

According to these sentences, which were confirmed by Branch 37 of the Fars Province Appeals Court, each individual is sentenced to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison, a fine, and deprivation of certain social rights for fifteen years.

On October 16, they were each sentenced by Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court in the initial trial to two years, seven months, and sixteen days in prison for “membership in an illegal and anti-regime sect with the intent to disrupt national security” and three years, six months, and one day in prison for “sectarian propaganda against the Islamic Sharia law,” serving under home arrest with electronic monitoring within a 1,000-meter radius of their residence. Additionally, they were each fined 37,100,000 Tomans and deprived of certain social rights for fifteen years.

Dana and Abedi were arrested by Ministry of Intelligence agents on April 28, 2021, at their homes and were finally released on bail from Adelabad Prison in Shiraz on June 1 of the same year.

Baha’is are subjected to violations of their religious rights, comprising 82% of reports on infringements against religious minorities, according to HRA’s 2023 annual report.

The Baha’i faith is not recognized as a legitimate religion by Iranian authorities, leading to systematic and longstanding violations of the rights of Baha’is in the country. This includes the denial of their fundamental right to practice their religion, which constitutes a clear breach of both Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.

Judicial Case Filed Against Former Political Prisoner Fariba Asadi

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Freedom of Expression, News
Fariba Asadi, Fereshteh Khadem, HRANA, Kachooie Prison, Mohammadshahr Revolutionary Court, Qarchak Prison, فریبا اسدی

Fariba Asadi, a former political prisoner who was released from prison in February 2023 after serving a previous sentence, is now facing a new judicial case.

A knowledgeable source close to Asadi confirmed the news to HRANA, stating that this case was opened following a complaint by Fereshteh Khadem, an official of the Mohammadshahr Revolutionary Court. The charges against Ms. Asadi include “propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” “disrupting public order and peace,” “public display of sinful acts,” “insulting officials and agents,” “intentional assault and battery,” and “insulting ordinary people.”

This source added that Fereshteh Khadem had previously filed a complaint against Ms. Asadi, which was closed with a no-prosecution ruling. The trial for Fariba Asadi’s new charges is scheduled for July 21, at the Mohammadshahr Criminal Court 2.

Asadi was previously arrested along with three co-defendants in February 2021 by security forces on charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “membership in anti-regime groups.” She was released on bail after a while. In October 2021, she was sentenced to one year in prison by Branch 2 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court for “propaganda against the regime.” In January 2022, she began serving her sentence in Qarchak Varamin Prison. She was ultimately released from Evin Prison in late February 2023 following an amnesty directive.

She was arrested again in September last year in connection with another case and released on bail from Kachouei Prison in Karaj in March of the same year.

Two Prisoners Executed in Gorgan Prison for Drug Offenses

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Executions, News
Gorgan, Hatam Shahidi, Mostafa Hosseini

On July 7, 2024, the death sentences of two prisoners previously convicted on drug-related charges in a joint case were carried out in Gorgan Prison, as reported by Iran Human Rights Organization.

The identities of these prisoners have been reported as Mostafa Hosseini, 41 years old, and Hatam Shahidi, 38 years old, residents of Nazarabad, Karaj.

According to the report, Mostafa Hosseini and Hatam Shahidi were arrested three years ago in a joint case on drug-related charges and subsequently sentenced to death by the judiciary.

No official sources or domestic media outlets within the country have provided coverage of these executions at the time of writing.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.

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Lawyer Mehdi Shakibafar Sentenced to Prison on Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, News
Markazi Province, Mehdi Shakibafar

Mehdi Shakibafar, an attorney, has been sentenced to twenty-two months and seventeen days of imprisonment by Branch 9 of the Central Province Court of Appeals.

Based on a recent ruling issued by Branch 9 of the Court of Appeals in Markazi Province and communicated to Mr. Shakibafar, he has been sentenced to fifteen months and one day in prison for the charge of “insulting the Supreme Leader” and seven months and sixteen days in prison for the charge of “propaganda against the regime,” totaling twenty-two months and seventeen days of imprisonment.

Previously, this attorney had been acquitted of the charges in the initial court, but following the prosecutor’s objection that “the acquittal will embolden the defendant,” his case was reviewed again.

Mohammad-Reza Shoghi Arrested in Gorgan

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Freedom of Expression, News
Gorgan, HRANA, Mohammad Reza Shoghi, محمدرضا شوقی

On Wednesday, July 10, Mohammad-Reza Shoghi, a resident of Gorgan, was arrested by security forces in the city.

A source close to his family confirmed this news to HRANA, saying: “This morning, Mohammad Reza Shoghi was arrested after an appearance at the Security Police office in Gorgan. Mr. Shoghi had previously been summoned to this security agency by phone.”

So far, no information has been obtained regarding the charges and reasons for the arrest of this resident of Gorgan.

Mohammad Reza (Tahmuras) Shoghi has a history of arrest and conviction due to his activities.

Prisoners Deprived of Water Access in Ghezel Hesar Prison

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News, Prisoners
Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Qezel Hesar

For the past twenty days, prisoners in Ghezel (Qezel) Hesar Prison in Karaj have faced significant issues with accessing clean water. During this period, the inmates have only had access to safe drinking water for seven hours a day, putting their health at serious risk. The prison officials’ failure to promptly address this health issue could lead to the outbreak and spread of various diseases.

For several days, prisoners in this prison have experienced frequent water outages. This situation has further endangered the health of the inmates. On Wednesday, July 10, the family of one prisoner confirmed this issue in a call with HRANA, stating: “For about twenty days, prisoners’ access to clean water has been limited. Every day from 5 to 8 AM, 1:30 to 3:30 PM, and 9 to 11 PM, tap water is available to the prisoners. However, even during these hours, the water pressure is very low.”

According to information received by HRANA, the frequent water outages in recent days have prevented prisoners from regularly using the showers. Additionally, the lack of water has made it difficult for prisoners to use the restrooms. Given the hot season and the absence of water, the prison’s sanitary facilities are kept in a very dirty condition, further endangering the prisoners’ health.

Family members of another prisoner told HRANA: “The frequent water outages on these warm days are causing the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis, skin diseases, and other illnesses in the prison. A water tank has been set up for use during water outages, but it is only suitable for washing hands and faces. Prisoners who can afford it are forced to buy water from the prison shop at high prices, but not all prisoners have the financial means to do so.”

HRANA had previously reported on frequent water outages in The Central Prison of Karaj as well.

It is worth mentioning that imprisonment, defined as the restraint of a person’s liberty against their will, should not infringe on human dignity. Prisoners’ access to adequate food and water, healthcare, and legal advisers is affirmed in both domestic laws and international regulations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The conditions of the prisoners in Ghezel Hesar Prison, which endanger their health and fail to meet their basic needs, are repeated violations of domestic and international laws.

Women’s Rights Activists Zohreh and Zahra Dadras Arrested to Commence Serving Their Sentences

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Freedom of Expression, News
Azadeh Chavoshian, Forough Saminia, Gilan province, Hooman Taheri, Jelveh Javaheri, Lakan prison, Matin Yazdani, Negin Rezaie, Rasht, Sara Jahani, Shiva Shah Sia, Yasamin Hashdari, Zahra Dadras, Zohreh Dadras

Zahra (Fatemeh) Dadras and Zohreh Dadras, women’s rights activists in Gilan province, were arrested to serve their prison sentences and transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht on July 10, 2024.

Abolfazl Ghorbani, the lawyer for these two women’s rights activists, announced: “At 9 AM today, Zohreh (Fatemeh) Dadras was detained and transferred to the Enforcement of Judgments department without prior summons or notice. Similarly, Zahra Dadras was arrested at 12 PM today after appearing at the Criminal Sentences Execution branch. Both sisters were then transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht.”

Hirakani News Agency announced today that the other nine defendants in this case, Forough Saminia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Sia, Negin Rezaie, Azadeh Chavoshian, Matin Yazdani, Hooman Taheri and Jelveh Javaheri, have also been summoned to the Revolutionary the Enforcement of Judgments office in Rasht by phone.

These women’s rights activists were separately arrested by security forces in Gilan on August 16 and 17, 2023. Zahra Dadras was released on bail from Lakan Prison on September 17 of last year, and Zohreh Dadras was released on October 1 of the same year.

On February 29, 2024, a court session was held to address the charges against them in a joint case at Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, presided over by Judge Mehdi Rasekhi. Their initial verdicts were issued by this branch in early March of this year.

Their sentences were confirmed on May 28 of this year by Branch 11 of the Gilan Provincial Court of Appeal, presided over by Judge Mohammad Sadegh Iran Agideh.

According to the issued verdict, Zohreh Dadras was sentenced to nine years, six months, and two days in prison for “forming a group to disrupt national security” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” Zahra Dadras was sentenced to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison for “membership in a group and assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security.”

Additionally, other defendants in this case were also sentenced to prison. Farough Samiei Nia, Sara Jahani, Yasmin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Siah, Negin Rezaei, Azadeh Chavooshian, and Matin Yazdani were each sentenced to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison, while Jelveh Javaheri and Hooman Taheri were each sentenced to one year for “propaganda against the regime.”

Othman Mameh Detained for Over 600 Days

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News, Prisoners
Bukan, HRANA, Othman Mameh, عثمان مامه

Othman Mameh, a resident of Bukan in West Azerbaijan province, has been detained for over 600 days. The lack of information about his condition has heightened the concern of his family and acquaintances.

A source close to Mameh’s relatives confirmed this news to HRANA: “Despite 600 days passing since Mr. Mameh’s arrest and the family’s follow-ups with security and judicial authorities, the relevant officials refuse to provide a clear answer regarding his status. Mameh has not had any contact with his family since his arrest, which has added to the concerns of his family and acquaintances. The only response from security agencies is that if he had died, they would have been informed.”

Mameh, 55, was arrested by security forces in Bukan on November 18, 2022.

As of the time of this report, no information has been obtained regarding the reasons for his arrest, his place of detention, or the charges against him.